The pre-season is over for Los Blancos after losing (2-4) the European Supercup against Atlético Madrid in Tallinn. Real Madrid didn’t defend well and Diego Costa was able to break the defense and the goal several times. The pre-season left many good things, but the team needs to improve if they want to fight for titles this year. Julen Lopetegui needs to work harder and find solutions for the many mistakes we’ve seen these days. Here are some conclusions left after one month of work.
Bale is the new leader
With Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, Gareth Bale is the new leader of the attacking line. The Welshman knows his new role and he will take the lead this season. Bale has played really well this season, scored a couple of good goals and his assist to Asensio is the best image of this pre-season for Los Blancos. Besides, in the European Supercup he also played quite good, giving the assist to Benzema in the first goal. If the injuries stay away from Bale, we can expect a top player at Bernabéu.
New signings are needed
Despite the good level of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, the team needs new signings. Lopetegui’s options on the bench are very reduced, with Borja Mayoral as the only striker available. Besides, with Mateo Kovacic gone, the club also needs a new midfield because Marcos Llorente or Fede Valverde are not able to play with the white t-shirt. Finally, the team also needs a new full back with Jesús Vallejo having several problems with the injuries. So we should expect at least three signings in this end of the summer transfer market.
The youngsters will take the lead
Without signings -only Odriozola and Courtois-, the youngsters need to step forward and show their quality. Lopetegui will trust them and we saw some good signings. Dani Ceballos will have an important role this season and he needs to focus and reply with his quality. Besides, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vázquez or Fede Valverde will also have many chances. Regulón, the left back, will have a spot in the dressing room this season.
Asensio, Cristiano’s replacement?
The former BBC is now BBA. Asensio has taken Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in the starting eleven and he will be the third striker or the fourth midfielder. The Spaniard showed a very good level in this summer and we all expect him to become a new star this season.
Lopetegui will trust the Spaniards
Lopetegui wants the ball and high pressure. The idea is arriving to the goal playing well, with the possession. We have to be very skeptical with the new coach giving his resume and because it’s not easy to wear Zidane’s shoes. However, we like the idea of trusting the Academy and the youngsters. Only the time will decide if Lopetegui was the right choice for being the manager.
